The idea of an orchestra of Ukrainian folk instruments was slow in developing in Ukraine. The first performance of such a group can be traced back to the XIIth Archeological Congress in Kharkiv, which under the direction of Hnat Khotkevych included not only banduras but hurdy-gurdies, violins a basolia and a tambourine. In 1922 Leonid Haydamaka, a student of Hnat Khotkevych organized a bandura ensemble in the Metalworkers Club in Kharkiv. This ensemble slowly introduced banduras of various sizes of the Kharkiv type.
Gradually other instruments were added such as the tsymbaly, the lira, sopilky, trembitas and the bagpipes. This orchestra, although of amateur status, became well known. It became the basis for another orchestra, formed in the 1930's in the Pioneers Palace. Various performances by the orchestra were given throughout Ukraine and other Soviet republics, and records were released in the thirties.
In 1943 The Veriovka Choir was formed, with an orchestral group consisting of Ukrainian folk instruments. Most of the regional folk choir ensembles also have orchestras of Ukrainian folk instruments, usually pertaining to the district from which they originate. In 1959 an orchestra of Ukrainian folk instruments was formed at the Ukrainian Radio and Television Center based on a bandura ensemble directed by Andriy Bobyr. This orchestra however rarely performed on the concert stage. Other orchestras have also been recently formed at various radio centers in Ukraine.
In 1970 an orchestra of Ukrainian folk instruments was formed in Kyiv under the auspices of the Music and Choral Society of Ukraine. Directed by Yakiv Orlov, it became extremely popular and the orchestra has recorded several records. It has recently been renamed the Kyiv State Orchestra of Ukrainian Folk Instruments. Its current director is Viktor Hutsa.